UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

This grant is part of CIDA's continued support to the Canadian International Immunization Initiative (CIII). CIII aims to increase immunization coverage rates and lower morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. Phase III focuses on increasing equitable access to vaccinations by targeting districts with low coverage rates and by reaching the most vulnerable and underserved groups in these districts. UNICEF and the World Health Organization jointly implement the multilateral component of CIII. This grant supports UNICEF activities. UNICEF provides support to low-income countries to strengthen routine immunization services. With CIII funding, UNICEF’s support aims to raise immunization rates to at least 80% in identified districts. Immunization currently prevents approximately 2.5 million child deaths every year in all age groups. Basic immunizations are a universally recommended, cost-effective, public health priority. Canada's support for immunization initiatives is in line with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing the death rate among children under the age of five by two-thirds by 2015.